3 dimensional, digital, interactive, multilayered information models for enhancing decision making by two end-user groups within the Urban Planning industry: A Case Study to quantify the benefit or otherwise over alternative 2 dimensional systems

This research investigates the potential of 3 dimensional (3D), digital, interactive, multilayered information models, to enhance users’ understanding of sets of geographic and building information, allowing them to make quicker and more informed decisions, than when using alternative 2D methods. The research aims to quantify the benefit or otherwise of 3D methods of information interrogation over 2D methods by developing a test based around the decision making of two widely disparate user-groups within the Urban Planning industry. The underlying purpose of the research is to examine the human ability to interact with and understand datasets of information which are represented in the digital world. This paper specifically focuses on the methodology by which a robust test is developed to be carried out, thus proving or disproving the advantages of 3D display of information when compared to 2D. The ability to apply this same test to additional case studies in the future is a major consideration in the research design. There is a specific focus on integrating and testing a range of research instruments to best establish “language” of the industry and user groups within it, before conducting the major case study. The final research approach adopted is develop and present functional prototype models in a focus group scenario, involving hands-on interactive comparable 2D and 3D tasks, individual feedback surveys and group discussions.